MLS vs Off-MLS: The Truth About Selling Prices

MLS vs Off-MLS: The Truth About Selling Prices

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A database used by real estate professionals to share information about properties for sale. It allows brokers and agents to see up-to-date listings, including details like price, location, and property features.

Home sellers who choose not to list their properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), collectively lost more than $1 billion in potential profits over the past two years, according to a Zillow report. The study indicates that properties sold off-MLS typically fetched a median loss of 1.5% nationwide, when compared to those listed on the MLS. The trend is particularly more pronounced in New York, where sellers saw a median loss of 3.7%.

• Homes in all price tiers sold for less when off the MLS

• Rural: median loss of 0.9%

• Suburban: median loss of 1.5%

• Urban: median loss of 2%

• Lower-priced homes experienced the greatest impact.

Ralph’s Take

In college, my marketing professor emphasized that success comes down to “reach and frequency” — the broader your audience and the more often they see your product, the stronger the results. As Realtors, we leverage the MLS to help maximize exposure, ensuring your home is seen by other agents and showcased on the largest syndicated real estate websites. The data overwhelmingly supports that listing on the MLS remains essential for securing the highest possible sale price.